“Long live internal combustion!” — Hiroshima, 2017

Mazda commits to internal combustion future with new Skyactiv-X technology promising diesel-like economy with more power

Mazda president and CEO Masamichi Kogai

Days after Mazda signed into an alliance with Toyota centered around future development and production of electrified and connected cars, the smaller Hiroshima-based company has announced a breakthrough in good ol’ internal combustion technology.

Dubbed Skyactiv-X, Mazda’s next generation petrol engine is the world’s first to ignite on compression like a diesel engine (spark plugs are still used as auxiliaries), achieving up to 30 percent more engine efficiency and up to 30 percent more power.

In a speech outlining his long-term vision for the company, president of Mazda Masamichi Kogai pronounced his aim to make the manufacturer a brand which cites an emotional bond with customers, combining technology with driving fun.

For us, Mazda Premium means making the best cars in the world, brightening people’s lives through the power of driving pleasure…”

“We will work to build a strong bond with our customers,” said Kogai. “In other words, to make Mazda Premium a reality, so they will choose to stay with the Mazda brand for life. When I say premium, perhaps you think of expensive European luxury brands, but that is not where we are aiming. For us, Mazda Premium means making the best cars in the world, brightening people’s lives through the power of driving pleasure…”

With Skyactiv-X the fuel and air in a cylinder are ignited by the piston’s compression, a method called Spark Controlled Compression Ignition which offers increased engine efficiency over a wider rev range and engine loads, improving both fuel economy and performance. The technology will premiere in production Mazdas from 2019.

“Around the world,” Kogai said, “Mazda has always been known for making sporty cars like the MX-5 and rotary-powered cars like the Cosmo Sport and Savannah, and we’ve been supported by a passionate fan-base… That is the kind of brand I want Mazda to be.”

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